METU–SUNY New Paltz Joint Program in Liberal Studies with a Concentration on English Language Teaching

Department Overview

The METU–SUNY New Paltz Joint Program in Liberal Studies with a Concentration on English Language Teaching offers a distinctive interdisciplinary academic structure that extends beyond conventional teacher education models. Established in 2004, the program prepares students as multidimensional professionals in language, culture, and education through a joint academic pathway between METU and the State University of New York (SUNY) New Paltz. Students complete their first, second, and fourth years at METU, and spend their third year at SUNY New Paltz in the United States, gaining direct exposure to a different academic system and intellectual environment. The curriculum integrates a wide range of disciplines, including linguistics, literature, education sciences, psychology, sociology, philosophy, media studies, and cultural studies. Upon graduation, students receive dual degrees from METU in English Language Teaching and from SUNY New Paltz in Liberal Studies (Language, Literature and Culture), equipping them with a strong international academic profile and diverse professional competencies.

Key Highlights

Dual-Degree International Structure
A joint program between METU and SUNY New Paltz, awarding degrees from both Türkiye and the United States.

Interdisciplinary Academic Formation
Integrates English language teaching with linguistics, literature, education sciences, and social sciences for a multidimensional academic background.

Flexible Academic Pathways
Students take a wide range of elective courses at SUNY New Paltz aligned with their academic interests.

Minor & Double Major Opportunities
German minor available within the department.
Double major and minor options across METU, including Philosophy, Psychology, International Relations, Urban Planning, History, Management, Political Science, Educational Data Science, and AI in Education.

Strong Academic Tradition
One of Türkiye’s pioneering departments in ELT graduate education, offering MA and PhD programs within the same academic structure.

Active Research & Academic Culture
Supported by TÜBİTAK, Erasmus, EU projects, and internationally published research outputs.

Longstanding Academic Events
Home to established academic events such as the METU British Novelists Conference, held since 1993.

Joint undergraduate program with SUNY New Paltz (USA)

Erasmus+ exchange opportunities with partner universities in Italy, Spain, Germany, Croatia, and the Netherlands

Access to international conferences and academic research networks

ADIM METU collaborative projects

ELT Talks seminar series

The Real Experience

Studying in the METU–SUNY ELT program means becoming part of an academically dynamic environment shaped by global educational and cultural perspectives. Students develop the ability to think critically, adapt across disciplines, and engage with diverse intellectual traditions throughout their studies.

Beyond language teaching, the program creates opportunities to engage with literature, arts, cultural studies, film, and theatre, allowing students to develop both academic and personal interests alongside their professional formation.

From early stages, students work closely with experienced faculty members and participate in discussions informed by current research and global academic debates. This fosters an environment where undergraduate students share an active intellectual space with graduate researchers, strengthening academic confidence and depth.

The program also builds strong academic and institutional links between Türkiye and the United States, enabling students to develop international networks during their undergraduate education.

Over time, students develop not only professional teaching competence, but also a strong academic identity, intellectual independence, and the ability to operate confidently in global educational and cultural contexts.

For further information: https://fle.metu.edu.tr/en/suny-tefl-undergraduate-program